A LEADING councillor believes buying up land and empty buildings in Southend town centre could be necessary to create new school buildings.

Ian Gilbert, the leader of Southend’s Labour group, told Southend councillors the move could solve a looming school admissions headache.

He suggested two options.

The first was selling the Maybrook House site, in Southchurch Road, which was a training centre for adults with learning disabilities until it closed in 2005. The second involved using the old South East Essex College site in Victoria Avenue. He said: “We need to look at acquiring land.

“We have agreed compulsory purchase powers which we could use if necessary to help progress the development at Roots Hall, so we have to be prepared to use an order to potentially create a new school.”

Mr Gilbert’s comments came as members of the authority’s children and lifelong learning committee discussed school admissions from 2013.

Members expressed concerns about Porters Grange primary school, in Lancaster Gardens, Southend, potentially being made to take an extra 30 pupils each year from 2013. The school currently accepts 60 pupils each year.

Paul Collins (Lib Dem, Westborough) said: “Sainsbury’s is looking to progress plans for 272 new homes at Roots Hall, and this would add to even further pressure on school places in central Southend.

“Residents in Westborough are very concerned about the future there.”

Mark Flewitt, Tory councillor responsible for children and learning, said: “There are ongoing discussions and I have been trying to keep my powder dry because there will be consultation.

“I’m sure there will be lobbying from parents and teachers before a recommendation is made and I will be visiting schools to hear views.”